Bill > A01776

This bill amends the labor law to increase transparency in negotiations between governing boards and labor organizations by requiring that all negotiations be conducted in open, public sessions, with some limited exceptions for executive sessions. Specifically, the bill mandates that negotiations, including those involving arbitrators or mediators, must be open to the public, with only two narrow circumstances allowing for closed-door meetings: when discussing contract offers or counteroffers, or when addressing employee-specific information that would violate privacy rights if disclosed. The bill also requires that all documentation exchanged during negotiations be subject to public writings disclosure laws, mandates that governing bodies post notices of negotiation sessions at least 14 calendar days in advance on their website and physical posting locations, and requires the governing board to provide a detailed financial analysis of each proposed contract, including its annual and total cost. These provisions aim to increase public accountability and transparency in labor negotiations involving public entities, ensuring that citizens can observe and understand the negotiation process.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1776